HSS493 – A Sweet Birthday Card with Caring Animals

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It’s time for another fun challenge over at Hand Stamped Sentiments , and this week we’re featuring a beautiful Colour Challenge HSS493!

When I first saw this colour combination, I immediately thought of creating something soft, sweet, and perfect for celebrating a birthday. The adorable lion from the Caring Animals stamp set seemed like the perfect choice!

I started with a Barely Blush card base and added lots of subtle texture using the Fern & Flora 3D Embossing Folder. I love how embossing adds interest without competing with the focal image.

For the background strip, I used a piece of Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper in Lost Lagoon, but I wanted to give it a little extra personality. I stamped the leafy images from the Caring Animals stamp set directly onto the DSP using Lost Lagoon ink for a subtle tone-on-tone effect. It’s a simple technique that adds depth and ties the background in beautifully with the embossed botanical theme.

To create a little extra dimension, I stamped the lion and sentiment in Lost Lagoon on my die-cut circle first, then stamped the lion again in Black Memento Ink on a separate piece of cardstock. After colouring and fussy cutting him, I popped him up with Stampin’ Dimensionals so he extends beyond the edge of the circle. It’s an easy technique that really helps the focal image stand out. To finish the focal point, I wove Linen Thread through the stitched openings around the Spotlight on Nature circle and tied a bow in the bottom left corner. I love the soft texture it adds and how it draws attention to the beautiful stitched detail of the die. To finish the card, I added a few gems for sparkle from the In Color 2026-2028 Dots.

One of my favourite things about colour challenges is seeing how everyone interprets the same palette in completely different ways. This combination felt soft and elegant while still being playful thanks to the adorable lion.

I hope you’ll stop by Hand Stamped Sentiments to see what the rest of the Design Team created, then join us with your own interpretation of these beautiful colours. I can’t wait to see what you make!

Want to grab the supplies for this card? Shop the links below or head to my shop.


SHOP HERE

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

The join process has changed a bit (sign up for $135 and get a $170 coupon) and you now get a fantastic Welcome Box too. The perks once you’ve joined remain the same.

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

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Dino-Mite Fun for HSS472 + GDP514!

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This week I combined the sketch from Global Design Project #514 with the Hand Stamped Sentiments Colour Challenge #472. The colour combo of Darling Duckling, Timid Tiger, and Pretty Peacock was perfect for creating a playful fall card with a cheerful twist.

This card features the Darling Dinos bundle. I used masking to create the layered field of flowers behind the dino, giving extra depth and dimension. Paired with the embossed sunflower background and a bold sentiment banner, this layout came together beautifully and stayed true to the sketch.

This card makes me smile—it’s bright, fun, and perfect for a birthday surprise!

Here’s a full list of supplies used as well as a printable card recipe.


HSS472CCDownload

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RSVP now for the October 11th class
See the details and register here!

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

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September 2025 Card Class To Go – Happy Place Stamp Set

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I’m so excited to share the September 2025 Card Class To Go, featuring the brand new Happy Place stamp set! 🌴 This set is so much fun to play with, and during this class I showed different coloring and stamping techniques to create vibrant, eye-catching cards for any occasion.

💌 Here’s how the class works:

  • Place a $60 order (before shipping & taxes) in my online store 👉 Shop with Leah and I’ll send you the Card Kit for free.
  • The PDF tutorial is also available for purchase separately in my shop 👉 Card Class PDFs. https://payhip.com/b/I1tPR
  • Orders must be placed using my link above to qualify for the free kit.

📺 Missed the live? No worries! You can catch the full replay right here and stamp along with me at your own pace.

Why You’ll Love These Cards

  • 🌅 Endless Colour Options – Try blending, sponging, or stamping with different palettes to create a whole new look every time.
  • 🎉 Versatility – These designs work for birthdays, celebrations, encouragement, and more.
  • 💡 Creative Techniques – Learn tips to make bold sentiments stand out while keeping your design clean and modern.
  • 💌 Fun to Share – These bright and happy cards are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s mailbox!

This is the perfect class if you’re looking for a little crafty escape – I can’t wait to see how you make these cards your own!

Here are the 4 unique cards:

Here’s a list of supplies you’ll want to have on hand – plus the embellishments I used (which will be in your kit).

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Looking for more ways to stamp with me?

Join my September Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the Sep 13th class
See the details and register here – I will order your supplies asap so you can have them on time!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.
Join Now!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

Coffee & Cards August 2025 Replay

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Did you miss my August Coffee & Cards class? I’ve got you covered — the replay is now available!

This month, I created four unique cards featuring:
✨ The Jolly Holly Bundle
✨ The Jar of Joy stamp set with the Jar Builder punch
✨ The Encircled with Love stamp set
✨ The Not 29 Anymore stamp set
✨ The Choose Happy stamp set

👉 You can watch the full replay here:

🌟 Why You’ll Love These Cards
✔️ A mix of Christmas, birthday, and everyday designs — perfect for your card stash.
✔️ Fun techniques that are beginner-friendly but still inspiring for seasoned stampers.
✔️ Versatile layouts you’ll use again and again.

Here are the 4 unique cards:

🛍 Get the Card Kit FREE:
Place a $60+ order (before tax/shipping) in my Stampin’ Up! store between Aug 27–Sep 2, 2025, and I’ll send you the full kit to create all four cards.
👉 Shop Here

📄 PDF Tutorial Only:
Prefer to use your own supplies? Grab the detailed step-by-step PDF tutorial here:
👉 Get the PDF

Looking for more ways to stamp with me?

Join my September Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the Sep 13th class
See the details and register here – you can still get the kit and watch the replay!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.
Join Now!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

Coneflower Celebrations Card Class to Go – Replay + Kit & PDF available

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This week’s Coneflower Celebrations Card Class to Go is now available for you to watch at your own pace! These bright, nature-inspired designs are perfect for late summer and early fall celebrations—from birthdays to thank you cards.

Watch the Replay Here:

💌 Why You’ll Love These Cards:

✔️ Fresh floral designs perfect for multiple occasions
✔️ Gorgeous Pressed Flower Motifs for extra texture and elegance
✔️ Quick to assemble yet visually stunning
✔️ Easy to adapt with other papers and embellishments you own

Here are the 4 beautiful cards:

🛍 Get the Card Kit FREE:
Place a $60+ order (before tax/shipping) in my Stampin’ Up! store between Aug 13–19, 2025, and I’ll send you the full kit to create all four cards.
👉 Shop Here

📄 PDF Tutorial Only:
Prefer to use your own supplies? Grab the detailed step-by-step PDF tutorial here:
👉 Get the PDF

Here are the supplies you’ll want to have at home:


Place Your Order Here

Want to stamp with me some more?

Join my September Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the Sep 13th class
See the details and register here – you can still get the kit and watch the replay!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.
Join Now!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

HSS469 Colour Challenge- Cheers to Blackberry Season!

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This week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #469 features a beautiful combo of:
🟣 Blackberry Bliss
🟪 Fresh Freesia
🩵 Pool Party

This palette immediately reminded me of the juicy blackberries I picked earlier this week — so of course, I had to add a few to the glasses on this card! The Cheers & Sips stamp set and Celebratory Sips DSP were the perfect pairing for this berry-inspired design.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions:

Card Base: Pool Party cardstock, A2 size (5½” x 4¼”).

Embossed Layer: Fresh Freesia panel (4″ x 5¼”). Emboss using the Glass & Gardens Embossing Folder (tile pattern) for a patio-inspired backdrop.

Arch Focal Point: Die cut stitched arches from Everyday Details Dies (4th and 5th largest) in Blackberry Bliss and Basic White.

Adhere with liquid glue.

Drinks & Details: Die cut two drink glasses from the Celebratory Sips DSP. Use the texturing die on the taller glass. Add stamped blackberry clusters (because why not bring the garden to the glass?) Arrange and adhere with Dimensionals over the arch panel.

Sentiment Label: Stamp “Cheers” in Blackberry Bliss on Pool Party cardstock. Die cut using Beautiful Butterflies Dies label.

Final Touches: Stamp “Let’s Celebrate!” on the arch. Scatter a few Starburst Sequins for some bubbly sparkle. Tuck in more blackberries for flavour and fun! To create the blackberries I stamped them in B;ackberry Bliss Ink and used a blending pen to add Blackberry Bliss Ink to the insides, then die cut.

💡 TIP: Heat emboss the drinks for a glassy look or add Wink of Stella to the berries for extra juice-inspired shine!

🛒 Want to recreate this card? Click here to shop all supplies in my Canadian online store! Here is a full list of the supplies I used:


SHOP NOW

🎯 Join the Challenge:
Create your own summer-inspired card using this week’s trio at https://handstampedsentiments.blogspot.com/. You’ll love where the colours take you!

Want to Stamp With Me?

Join my August Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the August 16th class

We are in month 4 of the In Colour Club – but it’s not too late to join and get these fabulous colours!

A great way to get all the new colours!

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!


Throwback Thursday – Adorable Owls Meet Wildflower Birthday DSP

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Today’s card is a sweet birthday throwback featuring one of my all-time favourite retired stamp sets—Adorable Owls—brought to life with some fun new products!

This owl is celebrating in style with:

  • The vibrant Wildflower Birthday 12×12 DSP
  • Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon (currently on the Last Chance list—grab it while you can!)
  • A textured base using the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder
  • A sprinkle of sparkle with Starburst Sequins

🎨 How to Make This Card:

  1. Start with a Thick Basic White card base.
  2. Emboss a 4″ x 5-¼” Basic White panel with the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder and adhere it to your base.
  3. Cut 2 angled rectangles from the Wildflower Birthday DSP and layer them slightly askew for interest.
  4. Wrap the Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon across the layers and tie a bow on the left side.
  5. Die cut a stitched circle (Pool Party cardstock or similar) and pop it up with Dimensionals.
  6. Stamp the owl from Adorable Owls, colour with Stampin’ Blends, fussy cut, and adhere.
  7. Stamp a birthday sentiment and die-cut or banner cut it, then adhere with Dimensionals.
  8. Add a few Starburst Sequins for a pop of sparkle.

🧡 This card is bright, happy, and full of texture—perfect for any birthday celebration. While the Adorable Owls are retired, the layout and product mix can work with so many images you already have in your stash.

🛍️ Shop the Supplies:


Don’t forget – you’ll earn Stampin’ Rewards on your purchase too!

Shop Here

📹 Want more inspiration? Be sure to follow me on YouTube or Facebook for tutorials, lives, and more!

👉 Looking for other ways to stamp with me?

If you are local – join my in person card class!

RSVP now for the Aug 16th class
See the details here: https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/07/30/july-2025-coffee-cards-card-class-to-go/
SHOP HERE!

Looking for even more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!

See you next week for another Throwback Thursday creation!

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July 2025 Coffee & Cards – Card Class To Go!

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Looking for variety, colour, and crafty inspiration? My July 2025 Coffee & Cards Class To Go is here — and it’s a fun one! Instead of spotlighting one stamp set, this class features four fresh and fabulous card designs that were first shared in my July in-person event.

🎥 Watch the Class Replay:
I already shared the class live — but don’t worry! You can still watch the full replay here and stamp along whenever it fits your schedule:

💖 Why You’ll Love This Class:

  • 4 cards covering a variety of styles and occasions
  • No need to own one specific stamp set
  • Great for building your skills and card stash
  • Bright, fun, and creative layouts using texture, die cuts & colouring

Don’t miss this cheerful and creative class — order your kit today or download the tutorial and get crafting!

Here are the 4 unique cards:

🛍 How to Get It FREE:
Place a $60+ order (before tax/shipping) in my Stampin’ Up!® online store between July 30 and August 5, and you’ll receive the PDF tutorial + prepped card kit FREE in the mail.
🛒 Shop here: https://www.stampinup.ca/?demoid=2189587

📥 Prefer just the tutorial?
Grab the PDF right here in my online shop:
👉 https://payhip.com/b/NWTaZ

Place Your Order Here

Want to stamp with me some more?

Join my August Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the Aug 16th class
See the details and register here – you can still get the kit and watch the replay!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.
Join Now!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂

HSS468 – Celebratory Sips Inspiration Challenge

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This week’s Hand Stamped Sentiments Inspiration Challenge (#HSS468) is filled with summery fun, so I reached for my Celebratory Sips 12×12 DSP and created a trio of refreshing drink elements to fussy cut. For the backdrop, I watercoloured loose circles on Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper using Azure Afternoon and Blueberry Bushel reinkers.

🌟 Watercolour Tip: Start by painting your circle shape with just water, then load your brush with a watered-down drop of reinker. When you add this to your wet area, the colour blooms beautifully, and using two shades together creates stunning blends and movement!

I mounted everything on Blueberry Bushel and Azure Afternoon cardstock, and finished the look with Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Adhesive-backed Gems. A perfect “Cheers—it’s your day!” kind of card!

👉 Join the HSS468 challenge and get inspired: https://handstampedsentiments.blogspot.com/

Here is a full list of the supplies I used:


SHOP NOW

Want to Stamp With Me?

Join my July Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the July 26th class
July 15 – 22 you can get the full kit, after that the PDF is still available – find details here: https://stampinwithleah.ca/2025/07/16/card-class-replay-not-29-anymore-with-birthday-treats-ephemera/

We are in month 3 of the In Colour Club – but it’s not too late to join and get these fabulous colours!

A great way to get all the new colours!

Looking for even more inspiration and more ways to enjoy stamping? Join my Stampin’ Up! Ink Pad Pals team!

  • Save 20%+ on your orders.
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.

Contact me to find out more or see the details on my website.

Join Now!


Card Class Replay: Not 29 Anymore with Birthday Treats Ephemera

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GIf you love a cheeky birthday card, this class is for you! I just wrapped up my latest Card Class To Go, featuring the brand-new Not 29 Anymore stamp set — packed with playful, age-defying sentiments perfect for birthdays with a wink. 🥳

I paired it with the fabulous Birthday Treats Mix & Match Ephemera for easy, coordinated accents, and finished each card with Online Exclusive Petunia Pop 1/4″ Iridescent Ribbon and Charming Shimmer Faceted Dots.

🎥 Missed the live? No worries!
👉 Watch the replay here:

💌 What You’ll Create

This class includes 4 unique cards, each with a pop of personality and texture:

“So. Many.Candles.” – an intricate background piece and beautiful watercolour cake ephemera paired with many candles and a bold embossed sentiment.

“Let’s Get This Party Started” – A playful card with Dotted Circles embossing, banners, balloons & layered messages.

“Not 29 Anymore” – With a lattice background, watercolour cupcake ephemera and a stitched circle sentiment.

“Free Cake! I mean… Happy Birthday” – Featuring a watercoloured cake ephemera piece from the Birthday Treats Mix & Match Pack , bold embossing for the sentiment and a sneaky trick to extend the banner die.

Three of the cards feature a coordinating bow using our NEW Petunia Pop ribbon and they all have the Charming Shimmer Faceted Dots!

🛍️ How to Get the Kit

Place a $60 order (before tax/shipping) in my online store (between July 16 – 22) and you’ll get the full card kit plus the PDF tutorial.
👉 Shop here: https://www.stampinup.ca/?demoid=2189587
📍Live outside Canada? Purchase the PDF tutorial here: https://payhip.com/b/br05G

📦 The card kit includes pre-cut pieces, die cuts, ribbon, dots, and envelopes.

Place Your Order Here

Here’s a list of the products you’ll need at home to create the cards using the kit I send you:


Want to make even more of these cards? Here is a list of the cardstock, DSP and embellishment pieces you will receive in your kit:


Shop Here

Check Out July’s Online Exclusives!

The Not 29 Anymore stamp set is just one of many fabulous new July Online Exclusives! You’ll also find:

  • Fresh holiday kits
  • Gorgeous DSP and embellishments
  • And limited-time bundles – only available while supplies last!

✨ See it all here:
👉 https://www.stampinup.ca/categories/whats-new/new-arrivals?demoid=2189587

💖 Why You’ll Love This Class

  • Laugh-out-loud humour: Perfect for friends and family who love a bit of sass with their birthday wishes.
  • Great for “older” recipients: These sentiments are especially hilarious for anyone who’s gracefully aged past 29 (or at least pretends they haven’t!).
  • No stamping experience required: The mix-and-match ephemera does the heavy lifting — just assemble and enjoy.
  • Fun embellishments: From iridescent ribbon to shimmer dots, these details add sparkle and joy to every design.
  • Easy-to-follow format: Whether you’re watching the replay or using the PDF, you’ll have everything you need to create four fantastic cards at your own pace.

Want to stamp with me some more?

Join my August Card Class to learn new techniques and create beautiful projects. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

RSVP now for the Aug 16th class
See the details and register here – you can still get the kit and watch the replay!
  • Save 20%+ on your orders (including the virtual album and the suite sale items!!)
  • Get free access to my monthly card class tutorials.
  • Enjoy our monthly team meetings with stamping fun and collaboration.
Join Now!

Click here to shop my online store.
Click here to access & view the current catalogs.
Click here to subscribe to those fun Paper Pumpkin kits of creativity!
Click here for more information about joining my Online Monthly Technique Club. Earn even more goodies by joining a club!
Click here to learn more about joining my Ink Pad Pals Team. Get the MOST rewards including a discount on future products!
Follow me on social media! I share regularly on Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook!
Please subscribe to my newsletter, too! Click here and enter your email. When you include your birthday you will even be added to my birthday card mailing list 🙂